GENERAL DIRECTIONS: You will be given an
envelope with 2 of the quotes on the other page. You pick one of them to
write a speech on. You have five minutes to do so. Then you will
speak on that quote for 3 minutes for the A grade. You may have to wing
(make part of the speech up as you go) since you don't have lots of time to
write a speech. For this reason, avoid trying to write out the speech word
for word, this will only ensure you won't be able to make the time limit.
It is impossible to write a 3 minute speech, word for word, in 5 minutes.
So you will have to flex your outlining and mental muscle. Trust yourself.
You can deliver off a topical outline that just has your ideas on them, not full
sentences. This is a thinking exercise as much as it is a speaking
exercise. You will find, in many instances, impromptu speaking leaves you
with a few minutes to put your thoughts together. You really don't need
much time to devise a speech. It is in this time that
you, the trained positive minded speaker, will organize your thoughts and thrive
under pressure. You are already equipped with the proper tools to do this
exercise, believe it. "Just be the ball, Danny." ("Caddyshack")

Impromptu Speaking Tips

First, arrive on time or a
little early. Relax, get your bearings.

Second, relax and breathe, you need to write a speech
in the next 5 minutes.

Focus on your quote and what it means to you, jot
down some general ideas.

Remember how we outline speeches and follow that
same pattern.

You might want to bring in a skeleton outline to use.
(already prepared)

(for example):

Intro:

SP:

Thesis:

Body I.

II.

Conclusion

Practice a few trial outlines; pick a quote off the
site and outline it

Rely on your experiences as you speak about your
quote. Add a few in, if you don't, you may go too short.

Don't shut yourself down, be open to all information

Mention the quote early in the speech so the audience
understands it

Remember all good delivery techniques: eye contact
and good volume

Make sure you mention the quote loud enough so the
audience knows what you are speaking on.

Have a solid short intro and conclusion
(remember keys to intro/conclusion = have a strategy, i.e. humor, question,
etc.)

Fake enthusiasm and confidence if need be

Do not run out of the room
screaming, "I can't do this!"

If you do run out of the
room, stay in the building, we'll send someone out after you! (smile)

Some are philosophical and
should cause you to think about life and yourself.

Don't write out a short
scripted paragraph and then deliver that. You won't make the time limit.
It will always go short.

Read through the quotes a few times. You may
end up doing one you practiced on!